TRI-LAKES PARK: Failed water tests causes bathrooms to shut down

September 20, 2013

COLUMBIA CITY â€” An ongoing water issue at Tri-Lakes Park has kept Whitley County Health Department officials searching for answers.

Water in the park bathrooms was deemed contaminated after a failed water test. Scott Wagner, environmental health specialist for the county, said the issue may have been caused by a deteriorated well casing.

â€śWeâ€™ve had the well tested and have done several things to try and solve the problem,â€ť Wagner told County Commissioners Monday. â€śAt this point, the only way to get water to the park is to drill a new well.â€ť

Wanting to avoid sinking money into a problem that might continue, Thorncreek Township Trustee Gene Heckman was at the meeting to speak on behalf of his residents.

â€śThis park serves the community and the neighborhood. There is a need for drinking water on a limited basis,â€ť Heckman said. â€śThe bathrooms are only really used on the weekends, so it does get stagnant. The well needs to be property closed and opened to eliminate this contamination.â€ť

Tri-Lakes Association representative Todd Nichols said the park is something people in that area want.

When discussion was held at the inception of the park, it was agreed that water and bathroom facilities were an important element to include.

However, Wagner said water must pass as drinkable if it is possible to come in contact with human skin.

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